Abstract

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MOTHERS ON ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS

Objective: To assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of mothers on ARI (Acute Respiratory Tract Infection) in
children less than five years of age. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Department of
Pediatrics, Mayo hospital, Lahore from 1st December 2014 to 28th February 2015. Mothers(n=335) who were local
residents, had at least one child below the age of five years and coming to the hospital for any medical problem
along with accompanying women were included. Foreign mothers and/or those having difficulty in perceiving
questions were excluded Language used in the Questionnaire was English which was translated to Urdu for better
understanding. Questionnaire was interviewer administered. Researchers and two house physicians took part in
questioning the mothers. Results: Total 335 children were studied. Out of 335 children 228(68%) had ARI. Mean
age of the children was 20 months ±17 SD while mean Birth weight was 2.7 kg ± 1.8 SD. The most common
symptom perceived was cough (n=303, 40%), mostly worsening during winter season (n=255,87%), commonest
aggravating factor was dust (n=174,81%), most common complication was Pneumonia (n=135, 83%), and most
mothers opted for medical practitioner (n=268,89%) for treatment. Self-medication was practiced by 192(58%) and
paracetamol was frequently used medication (n=117, 42%). Conclusion: The study reveals good knowledge of
mothers on ARI symptoms, worsening environmental conditions, aggravating factors and complications. Their
attitude towards ARI was appropriate with early consultation with qualified medical practitioner. Better literacy
rate, has a positive influence on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of mothers.